Are arrival times scheduled for boarding?

This is our first time on HAL. When we sailed Disney, we were assigned (or could pick) a port arrival time to check in. Is it the same way with HAL? Or can we check in at any time?

Thanks!

This is our first time on HAL. When we sailed Disney, we were assigned (or could pick) a port arrival time to check in. Is it the same way with HAL? Or can we check in at any time?

 

Thanks!

There are no assigned check in times with HAL. Check in is pretty much first-come-first-serve with some special lines for suite and higher loyalty program members. Boarding runs pretty much along the same. Obviously special needs passengers are given some priority or assistance for boarding.

This is our first time on HAL. When we sailed Disney, we were assigned (or could pick) a port arrival time to check in. Is it the same way with HAL? Or can we check in at any time?

 

Thanks!

There are no assigned times for embarkation with Holland America. HAL usually advertises that they begin boarding at noon, but usually they're ready to begin the process around 11:00 AM.

We like to arrive at the cruise terminal by 11 AM. Boarding usually begins around 11:30 starting with the PS passengers followed by the wheelchair passengers next and then the Neptune Suite passengers. After that those people who are 4 and 5 star Mariners can board. Then numbers are called.

HAL has a policy where they try to get all cabins ready by 11:30 so that you can drop off your carry-ONS AND GO TO LUNCH OR DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO.

Thanks! We will plan on being at port by 11:00. On Disney we had to carry all of our stuff until 2:00 so that would be a bonus if we could ditch the carry-ons and then explore the ship.

Thanks! We will plan on being at port by 11:00. On Disney we had to carry all of our stuff until 2:00 so that would be a bonus if we could ditch the carry-ons and then explore the ship.

HAL will usually make an announcement if the cabins are NOT ready. Usually, when you board, a steward will assist you in finding an elevator and letting you know whether you can proceed directly to your cabin, or directly to the LIDO for lunch.

Boariding will normally begin in the 11-11:30 range. By that time you should have been through the check in procedure, which begins around 10.

Cruise docs for Med cruise say 1:00 pm boarding. What time should we show up at port? Thanks

Cruise docs for Med cruise say 1:00 pm boarding. What time should we show up at port? Thanks

The cruise docs will almost always list a 1:00 pm boarding. As other posters have reported, typically boarding begins around 11:00 AM. Unless the ship has been late arriving, or has other unforseen issues.

Thanks. I didn't know if European ports had different boarding times.

We were excited that Disney asked for a certain time we would like to board. Problem was everyone else wanted 11:30 also; had to wait for room. I will never forget though that I had stone crab for lunch at the buffet!